Every once and a while, life summons a genuine ultimate. This time, it was sure to be Gucci’s unique resolution to co-ed its women's and men's seasonal fashion shows starting 2017, whereby the first show will occur at Gucci's new Milan headquarters at Via Mecenate.

This up-and-coming news was announced by Marco Bizzarri, Gucci’s President and CEO, at the New York Times International Luxury Conference in Versailles. The latter declared as well that creative director Alessandro Michele will be presenting a single collection each season merging his womenswear and menswear. The luxury brand will pertain to its 'see now, buy later' schedule, in regards to the luxury fashion creative and production process.

"It seems only natural to me to present my men's and women's collections together. It's the way I see the world today. It will not necessarily be an easy path and will certainly present some challenges, but I believe it will give me the chance to move towards a different kind of approach to my story telling."  Said Alessandro Michele

Marco Bizzarri stated: "Alessandro Michele has in fact always presented his men's and women's collections together, so this is a very natural progression. Moving to one show each season will significantly help to simplify many aspects of our business.  Maintaining two separate, disconnected calendars has been a result of tradition rather than practicality. In the spirit of full collaboration with the Camera Nazionale della Moda and with the aim of further reinforcing the Italian fashion system, we will work closely with the Camera Nazionale in aligning on a calendar that allows us to maintain the 'see now, buy later' schedule for our fashion shows, as it is fundamental to the full exploitation of Gucci's creative and production capabilities, for which the lead times are essential."

Cindy Menassa